FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 20, 2004	Contact:Brigitte Johnson 202.463.5163

Washington, D.C. — The American Forest Foundation (AFF) elected Chuck Leavell to its Board of Trustees at their October 2003 board meeting. Leavell is a renowned keyboardist and the 1999 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year with his wife Rose Lane.

"We are so fortunate to have Chuck join the AFF Board. His dedication to forest and natural resource conservation is legendary. He brings his vast experience and love of Tree Farming to help us guide this worthwhile organization," remarked Penn Siegel, AFF's Board Chair.

Leavell has been pleasing the ears of music fans for more than 30 years. His piano and keyboard work has been heard on the works of Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, The Indigo Girls, Blues Traveler, and many more. His association with the Stones has been a long one, beginning back in 1982 and still going strong. The recently completed Rolling Stones' Forty Licks tour marked Leavell's 20th year with the band. His own recent solo piano CD, Forever Blue: Solo Piano has garnered great critical acclaim and he is now working on a new CD for release in Spring 2004.

In addition to his musical expertise, he is now a respected author having penned a book on forestry and conservation entitled, Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest. This book is now in its second printing in the U.S. and is being translated and released in Germany in 2004. Leavell takes this passion to the streets by giving speeches and presentations to a variety of groups and also spends time in Washington, D.C. meeting and speaking to committees, environmental officials and high level government officials to help shape policy and to promote sound forestry management practices in America. This has resulted in making Leavell one of the most sought after keynote speakers around.

"We've had the benefit of Chuck's vision and passion for years as a member of the American Tree Farm System's^® National Operating Committee. Now, we'll keep this strong relationship going as we move our organization forward," said Laurence Wiseman, AFF President.

At his home in Georgia, you can find Leavell working in the woods, playing his piano and declaring he's fortunate to have three real passions in his life. "My family, my trees and my music," he says. "I have no intentions of slowing down in music now! But one day I will hang up my rock 'n' roll shoes and I hope it will be right here on a pine tree."

For more information please contact Brigitte Johnson, APR, Director of Communications at 202.463.5163 or bjohnson@forestfoundation.org.

The American Forest Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works for healthy forests, quality environmental education and informed decision-making about our communities and our world. Our vision is to be recognized for our commitment to sustainable forestry, quality environmental education, and wildlife habitat and watershed protection.